Rhoads’ three victories, as an unranked team, over nationally rated foes came at No. 15 TCU (2012), at No. 19 Texas Tech (2011) and at No. 22 Texas (2010).

What’s the secret for that success?

“I think it’s an every game focus (for our team),” Rhoads said Monday. “I don’t think we’re higher for those games and lower for other games. It might play as a factor that those teams aren’t as high for us on those particular Saturdays when we come on the road as they are for other folks.”

Rhoads enters this week with a simple goal for his team.

“Improvement and energy,” Rhoads said. “That’s at the top of my list.”

The task for the Cyclones at 17th-ranked Oklahoma is a tall one.

“(We’re playing) a Top 25 team in Oklahoma, on the road, in a series that is as lopsided as any that exists in the Iowa State record books,” Rhoads said. “And, I’m looking for a team that is looking forward going to Norman, taking the field and playing with every ounce of energy that they have.”